Achalasia surgery
Heller's myotomy
If you experience achalasia, our HCA UK specialists can carry out laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to help you swallow more easily.
What is achalasia?
This is a minimally invasive treatment, making swallowing permanently easier.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
Laparascopic surgery (Heller's myotomy) for achalasia is carried out under general anaesthetic. Each surgeon's approach may vary slightly, however they will follow these general steps:
- Make a small opening near your belly button and inflate your abdomen with gas.
- Insert small tubes into incisions in your abdomen, placing surgical instruments and a small telescope into the tubes, providing a clearer image of your abdomen on screen.
- Your surgeon will then cut the muscle at the lower end of your esophageal sphincter, allowing food/drink to pass more easily into your stomach.
- At the end of the procedure, they will remove the instruments and stitch your incisions.
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How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. You may have X-rays and endoscopic tests (tube with a camera on the end) to show clearer images of your oesophagus.
Due to the nature of achalasia, you will be advised on your food and drink intake before having laparascopic surgery. If you are taking medication, your consultant will also recommend whether or not to stop doing so before the procedure. -
After surgery icon plus
Patients normally stay in hospital between 1-2 days after laparoscopic surgery. Our clinical nurses will continue to monitor you during this time. If you experience pain and/or discomfort, they can provide you with medication.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine. You should be able to return to work within two weeks of the procedure. During your recovery process, you should take extra care whilst eating and drinking, staying on soft foods for the first few days.
Our surgeons
Our locations
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Surgery
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344